Solve Kinetic Friction Coeff for Physics Homework

  • Thread starter Thread starter shell4987
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Friction
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the coefficient of kinetic friction for a block sliding across a tabletop after being compressed by a spring. The scenario includes a block of mass 2.4 kg, a spring constant of 300 N/m, and measurements related to the compression of the spring and the distance the block slides before stopping.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of energy conservation principles, questioning the values used in calculations, particularly the compression distance of the spring and the resulting coefficient of kinetic friction.

Discussion Status

Some participants are verifying the compression distance of the spring, while others are attempting to clarify the calculations involved in determining the coefficient of kinetic friction. There is an ongoing exploration of the values used in the original poster's attempt.

Contextual Notes

Participants are checking the correctness of the initial conditions and values, particularly the compression distance and its impact on the calculations. There is a focus on ensuring that the assumptions made in the problem setup are accurate.

shell4987
Messages
43
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


You push a 2.4 kg block against a horizontal spring, compressing the spring by 29 cm. Then you release the block, and the spring sends it sliding across a tabletop. It stops 83 cm from where you released it. The spring constant is 300 N/m. What is the coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the table?


Homework Equations


0 (initial KE) + 0 (initial PE) + 1/2k(change in X)^2= 0 (final KE) + 0 (final PE) + Ukmgd and solve for Uk (coeffient of kinetic friction)


The Attempt at a Solution


I did this plugged in 300 for k, 0.54 for change in x, 2.4 for m, 9.8 for g, and 0.83 for d... I got 2.24 for the answer and it was wrong. I can't seem to find out what I'm doing wrong with this problem.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
shell4987 said:
I did this plugged in 300 for k, 0.54 for change in x...
How far was the spring compressed?
 
Doc Al said:
How far was the spring compressed?

It would be 0.29m right?
 
shell4987 said:
It would be 0.29m right?
Right.
 

Similar threads

Time period of SHM & Energy conservation in pulley-spring-block system
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
4K
Find elastic energy in the compressed spring.
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Distance of box pushed up incline by spring
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Solve for friction coefficient of block on sp
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
996
Is it possible to calculate this question with force
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Graphing Kinetic Energy of a Toy Car Released from a Compressed Spring
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
19K
D’Alembert Vs Conservation of Energy
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
Oscillating horizontal mass attached to a spring with Friction
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Finding the Coefficient of Friction in a Spring-Block Incline System
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Question about springs and rotational/translational energy
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K